Odds stacked in Schumacher’s favour on his return to F1

This may seem like an odd headline to be claiming in relation to a 41 year old coming out of retirement back into the unforgiving world of F1. However on closer inspection, several changes in formula 1 may be more familiar to him than some of his rivals. He has great experience of slick tyres from his early days, refueling was not a feature when he first started (it’s now banned) and downforce levels have been reduced in an attempt for the cars to race a bit more (i.e. Cars may handle similarly to pre 2000 levels).

The choice of team is also perfect for him. Small new team without expectant and restless fanbase like Ferrari, a previously winning car that has been developed on from early in 2009 and most important of all, a teammate who is also new to the car. This way Schumacher won’t be under the same immediate pressure of racing against a well established driver within the team, in the way that Jenson Button will have to face with Lewis Hamilton at Mclaren.